From helping launch the former Hitchcock Design Group (HDG) Florida office to leading RVi’s Coral Springs and Bonita Springs teams, Alex Fenech, PLA, FASLA, has built a career around creating memorable places and helping others succeed. Recently elevated to Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), arguably one of the profession’s highest honors, Alex brings equal parts passion, humility, and vision to his work. 

We sat down with Alex to discuss his career journey, the projects that have shaped him, the future of landscape architecture, and why he’s always open to the possibility of Sasquatch. 

Tell us about your role at RVi and what a typical day looks like for you. 

I serve as a Vice President at RVi, overseeing our Coral Springs and Bonita Springs offices, while also acting as Managing Principal for the Coral Springs team. On top of that, I maintain an active project management workload across several of our market sectors and co-lead RVi’s Hospitality + Entertainment practice nationally. 

The reality is that no two days are the same. One day I might be working through project strategy with a client, the next I might be mentoring team members, reviewing designs, or collaborating on business development initiatives. That’s one of the things I enjoy most about the role; every day presents new opportunities and challenges. 

What first drew you to landscape architecture?

Unlike many people in the profession, I knew I wanted to be a landscape architect before I went to college. 

The moment of realization happened during a family trip to the Grand Canyon when I was in high school. Standing on the South Rim, I was completely overwhelmed by the experience. There was this sense of wonder, adventure, and connection to place that I had never felt before. I remember thinking, “How do you create experiences like this for people?” 

My aunt suggested I look into landscape architecture. At the time, I had no idea what a landscape architect was, but I started researching it and quickly became fascinated. 

I was also a competitive soccer player and had opportunities to continue playing in college. Ultimately, I chose Michigan State University’s landscape architecture program because I knew that was the career I wanted to pursue. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. 

Your path wasn’t always easy. How did those early challenges shape you?

In a lot of ways, I joke that landscape architecture was the profession that never wanted me. 

When I was at Michigan State, admission into the landscape architecture program was competitive, and I didn’t initially make the cut. I had a conversation with the dean, who told me I had two options: find a different path or improve my grades and try again. So, I went back, worked harder, boosted my GPA, and eventually graduated second in my class. 

Then the recession hit. 

I graduated into one of the toughest job markets our profession has ever experienced. Out of 26 students in my graduating class, only two found jobs in landscape architecture. Today, only three of us are still practicing landscape architects. 

Experiences like that taught me resilience. They taught me how to pivot, adapt, and keep moving forward when things don’t go according to plan. Those lessons continue to influence how I approach leadership today. 

What keeps you passionate about the profession after all these years?

The people. 

I genuinely love helping others grow and succeed. Whether it’s mentoring younger professionals, supporting my team, or helping clients realize their vision, the people side of this profession is what energizes me. 

Landscape architecture also offers endless opportunities to learn. Every project presents a new challenge, a new environment, or a new problem to solve. That continual learning keeps things exciting. 

You were recently elevated to ASLA Fellow. What did that recognition mean to you?

More than anything, it was humbling. There are only about 1,500 ASLA Fellows in the organization’s 126-year history. To be recognized alongside so many people I admire is incredibly meaningful. It was also an honor that wouldn’t have been possible without the countless moments of collaboration and support that others brought to the initiatives and systems in which I was recognized. 

At the same time, I view it less as a finish line and more as a starting point. The recognition creates an opportunity, and perhaps a responsibility, to help others. I’ve benefited from people who invested in me, and I want to continue paying that forward. 

One thing I’ve learned throughout my career is that the most important work often happens when nobody is watching. Awards are wonderful, but they’re really the byproduct of years of dedication, service, and helping others succeed. 

Who has had the biggest influence on your leadership style?

While I’ve always valued mentorship, I haven’t had many people truly take me under their wing throughout my career. One person who did was Bill Inman. 

In 2022, Bill and the HDG board of directors trusted me and joined me in taking a leap of faith to establish the HDG Florida office. That experience reinforced the importance of trust, empowerment, and believing in people before they’ve fully proven themselves. 

Today, I try to lead in a similar way, giving people opportunities, supporting them when they need it, and helping them achieve goals they may not yet realize are possible. 

Is there a common philosophy that guides your work?

Absolutely: reliability, trust, and communication. 

At the end of the day, great projects are built on relationships. I focus heavily on creating trust with clients, supporting my team, communicating clearly, and always doing the right thing. 

From a design standpoint, I’m constantly thinking about the user experience. How will people move through a space? What will they feel? What memories will they take away? 

Those questions are often more important than any single design element. 

Is there a project that stands out as especially meaningful?

Two projects immediately come to mind. 

The first is Shepherd’s Hollow in Michigan, a banquet and event venue nestled within a 100-year-old pine forest. What made that project special was the client’s commitment to storytelling. Every detail, from the architecture to the landscape design, supported a larger narrative. It wasn’t just about creating a building; it was about creating an experience. 

The second is what many people would consider a very simple project: the Swan and Dolphin Connectivity Project at Walt Disney World. On paper, it was essentially a pedestrian connection between two hotels. But instead of treating it as a utilitarian walkway, we approached it as an experience. We carefully preserved mature trees, created intentional view corridors, and designed moments where guests suddenly catch glimpses of iconic Disney landmarks. 

It’s become one of those hidden gems that many visitors don’t expect. For me, it perfectly illustrates the power of landscape architecture. Sometimes the spaces between destinations become destinations themselves. 

What do most people misunderstand about landscape architecture?

Many people think we simply pick trees and shrubs. Plants are certainly part of what we do, but landscape architecture is really about placemaking, problem-solving, connectivity, and creating experiences. 

We help shape how people interact with spaces. We think about circulation, resilience, sustainability, accessibility, identity, and how everything works together as a cohesive whole. 

The profession has a tremendous impact on quality of life, even when people don’t realize we’re the ones behind it. 

What advice would you give the next generation of landscape architects?

Learn business skills. 

Design skills are essential, but understanding business development, leadership, communication, advocacy, and client relationships will dramatically expand your opportunities. 

I would also encourage young professionals to get involved. Volunteer. Join professional organizations. Advocate for the profession. The more engaged you become, the more opportunities you’ll create for yourself and others. 

What do you enjoy outside of work?

Travel is probably at the top of the list. 

I also enjoy cycling and golfing, and I’ve come to appreciate quiet, intentional time to reset and recharge whenever possible. 

My wife Kati and I are both former soccer players. We actually met at Michigan State, and soccer remained a big part of our lives for many years. 

Is there something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a huge Disney fan. The parks, the resorts, the movies, I genuinely admire Walt Disney’s vision and the way he approached storytelling and placemaking. 

And while we’re sharing surprises, I’m also not entirely opposed to the possibility that Sasquatch exists. 

Let’s just say I’ve spent a lot of time listening to Sasquatch podcasts on road trips over the years. Do I know Bigfoot is real? No. Am I open to the possibility? Absolutely. 

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future?

Helping people realize their potential. 

When we started the Florida office several years ago, we had a vision of creating something special. Watching our teams grow, watching people advance in their careers, and seeing them work on projects they’re genuinely proud of, that’s incredibly rewarding. 

Professionally, I’m focused on continuous improvement. Every project, every initiative, every relationship can be better tomorrow than it is today. 

If I can help move the needle just one percent every day, for myself, for my team, and for our clients, that’s a worthwhile goal. 

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

More than anything, I hope people remember the opportunities I helped create for others. 

Projects eventually become part of the landscape. Buildings change. Communities evolve. 

But if I’ve helped people grow, achieve their goals, and realize their potential, that’s a legacy worth leaving behind.